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AEW Roster Adding Some “Really Strong Female Members”

Michael Reichlin
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AEW is adding a couple “really strong female members” to its roster in the near future.

Serena Deeb appeared on the Reese Waters Show earlier this week. During the appearance, she hinted that some new faces are headed to AEW TV.

”I don’t know if I can say names yet, it we’ve just picked up a couple of really strong female members to the roster.”

– Serena Deeb

Especially with the introduction of the new TBS Championship held by Jade Cargill, it’s a great time to add some depth to the women’s division.

As for who will is joining AEW, there are a number of extremely talent women who are not ‘All Elite’ just yet. Possible additions to AEW in the weeks and months ahead include:

  • Athena (Ember Moon)
  • Mia Yim
  • Nixon Newell (Tegan Nox)
  • Toni Storm
  • Taya Valkyrie
  • Marina Shafir

Visit Audacy.com to check out the Reese Waters Show.

Ric Flair Thinks CM Punk Is ‘Overgenerous’ In AEW

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Ric Flair believes that CM Punk would benefit from not giving his opponents a lot of offense in the midst of a program.

Punk is currently feuding with MJF on AEW TV. The two have traded barbs for weeks but the match doesn’t have an official date.

Some have questioned the booking of Punk’s matches in AEW. He’s given a lot of offense to his opposition, something MJF has used in storyline claiming Punk is struggling against guys he should be dominating.

Many were critical of Punk’s match with MJF’s bodyguard Wardlow on the Jan. 12 episode of Dynamite. Wardlow basically dismantled Punk before being pinned by a fluke roll-up.

At the end of the match, the attention was more on Wardlow than it was on Punk, who still hasn’t had his match with MJF.

Ric Flair On CM Punk Giving Too Much

Taking to his WOOOOO Nation UNCENSORED podcast, Ric Flair expressed his belief that CM Punk shouldn’t be as generous in his matches when he needs to build a feud.

“If Punk is arguably their top star, I would always just keep him — he’s already proved that he can work his ass off, right?

“I would always keep him in matches on TV where he took more of the match going into an angle like he is right now with the other guy. Considering that he’s gonna have to get up, make a promo with MJF and all that I just would’ve shortened it up.

“I think he’s being overgenerous. That doesn’t make him a bad guy. That would’ve been my style forever too but I just think he’s going into this big program he doesn’t need to be quite as generous.”

Wardlow splitting from MJF has been a story that’s been brewing for quite a while. While many feel Wardlow is destined to be a star, many also believe the momentum of Punk vs. MJF has been squandered.

Please H/T SEScoops with a link if you use any quotes from this article

Rocky Romero Off Tonight’s Rampage Card Due To COVID-19

Chris Stephens
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There will be no RPG Vice reunion on tonight’s episode of Rampage. Rocky Romero revealed on social media that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is off the show. Roppongi Vice (Rocky Romero & Trent Beretta) were scheduled to face Matt & Nick Jackson the Young Bucks.

“Sorry everyone… Gonna have push back the RPG Vice reunion. COVID got me. Currently I’m feeling very mild symptoms. I’m vaxed and boosted so should kick right out of this!!” Romero posted on Twitter.

As of this writing, it is not clear if a replacement match will take place on the show or if Romero will be replaced by a member of the Best Friends in the match.

Other matches scheduled for tonight’s Rampage from Washington include:

  • TBS Championship
    Jade Cargill (c) vs Anna Jay
  • Jon Moxley vs Ethan Page
  • Seprentico vs HOOK

Then scheduled for next week’s edition of Dynamite from Cleveland:

  • Lights Out Match
    Adam Cole vs Orange Cassidy
  • TNT Championship
    Ladder Match
    Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Sammy Guevara
  • Leyla Hirsch vs. Red Velvet
  • 2point0 (Jeff Parker & Matt Lee) & Daniel Garcia vs. The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, Ortiz & Santana)

The last time that Beretta and Romero wrestled together in a 2-on-2 tag team match was the January 30th, 2019 NJPW in the USA show in Los Angeles. They lost to David Finlay & Tracy Williams that night.

Buddy Matthews Announced For Tonight’s MLW Blood & Thunder

Chris Stephens
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Buddy Matthews has just been announced for tonight’s Blood and Thunder show in Dallas promoted by MLW. The promotion is stating that Matthews is taking part in MLW’s new “open door” policy for free agents. An opponent for Matthews has yet to be revealed for the show.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1484566382893228033

Tonight’s show at Gilley’s in Dallas was dealt a blow recently when it was revealed that Ross and Marshall Von Erich both tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be there. Much of the build up to the show focussed on the Von Erichs returning to Dallas and seeking to win a title there for the first time in 40 years. They were scheduled to challenge 5150 (Rivera and Slice Boogie) for the MLW World Tag Team Championships.

Below are the matches officially confirmed for the show:

  • MLW World Heavyweight Championship
    Falls Count Anywhere 
    Alexander Hammerstone (c) vs. Pagano
  • MLW Middleweight World Championship
    Tajiri (c) vs. Myron Reed vs. TBA
  • National Openweight Championship
    Alex Kane (c) vs. Calvin Tankman
  • TJP vs. Matt Cross
  • Jacob Fatu vs. Mads Krugger
  • Miranda Gordy vs. Rok-C
  • Davey Richards vs. ACH
  • Aramis, El Dragon & TBA vs. Arez, Gino Medina & Mini Abismo Negro
  • EJ Nduka vs. TBA

Watch: Britt Baker Applies The Lockjaw to Nick Cannon

Chris Stephens
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Britt Baker appears on Friday’s episode of the Nick Cannon show.

As seen below, things got physical when the AEW Women’s World Champion locked her Lockjaw submission hold on the TV host.

Watch Britt Baker’s “sneaky freaky” appearance on the Nick Cannon Show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdA9Mbycd9I

Here are some additional photos, courtesy of Britt Bakers:

The Interesting History of the Lockjaw/Mandible Claw

Interestingly enough, Dr. Britt Baker DMD is not the first doctor to use this move in wrestling. The move is a variation of “The Mandibular Nerve Pinch” used by osteopathic physician-turned-wrestler Sam Sheppard in the 1960s. Sheppard was the subject of the 1993 movie “The Fugitive”. He was accused and later exonerated of having murdered his wife in a high-profile case. Sheppard later capitalized on the publicity of his case and became a professional wrestler.

As he was a doctor, he used the Mandibular Nerve Pinch and the claim was that his medical knowledge allowed him to know all the sensitive nerves in the mouth. Perhaps it is Britt Baker’s dentistry knowledge that allows her to effectively deliver the move as well.

Mick Foley would later adopt and popularize the move when he became Mankind in WWE.

Britt Baker would later speak to Chris Van Vliet about what led to her using the move.

“It was in the [Casino Battle Royale] where I had the idea of eliminating, I think Shazza [McKenzie], with the Mandible Claw over the top. I remember asking Tony [Khan] and he’s like, ‘Why wouldn’t you use the Mandible Claw? You’re a dentist. That’s great.’ Then I had the idea of using the modified Rings of Saturn while grabbing on. It was Excalibur who came up with the name. I started doing it and everyone’s first instinct are the buzzword dental words like root canal.”

Luchadores Battle In London Grocery Store

Chris Stephens
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Shoppers at the Iceland grocery store in the Fulham region of London, England witnessed two luchadores fighting over some new products recently.

20 years ago Booker T and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin engaged in an epic grocery store battle. Perhaps that was what led the Iceland store manager to partner with the London School of Lucha Libre in order to promote the store’s new partnership with the Chiquito food brand.

Luchadors El Nordico, Illusionisto and El Piranha engaged in a lucha libre battle in the frozen food aisles of the store. Meanwhile, shoppers went about their business or stopped to take video of the performance.

Video of the Lucha Libre show in the store is available in the YouTube video below:

“Customers were treated to a show-stopping performance featuring traditional Lucha Libre wrestlers, as they carried out their morning shop,” said the store manager.

“Our new Chiquito food range is spicing up mealtimes, so we thought we would spice up the in-store experience by unleashing El Nordico, Illusionisto and El Piranha to battle it out in the frozen aisle.”

He continued to say that they partnered up with the London School of Lucha Libre to put on the promotion.

“We teamed up with The London School of Lucha Libre to put on the show which showcased the colour, fun, and flavour of the new hot and spicy food range”

Luchador El Piranha gave an in-character statement to media. He said that he did not want Illusionisto to get these new delicious foods before he did and that’s what led to the impromptu match.

“I knew Illusionisto would be trying to get his hands on the new Chiquito range before me, but I was ready and waiting to bring the pain,” said luchador El Piranha. “Those Enchiladas are mine!!!”

Impact Results 1/20: Josh Alexander vs Charlie Haas Headlines

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling 1/20 featured the ROH Championship on the line and Josh Alexander vs Charlie Haas in the main event.

  1. Tasha Steelz defeated Chelsea Green
  2. 2-on-1 Handicap Match
    The Influence (Tenille Dashwood & Madison Rayne) w/ Kaleb With a K defeated Havok
  3. W. Morrissey defeated The Learning Tree (VSK & Zicky Dice) w/ Brian Myers
  4. ROH World Championship
    Pure Rules
    Jonathan Gresham defeated Steve Maclin
  5. Doc Gallows & Joe Doering defeated Heath & Rhino
  6. Josh Alexander defeated Charlie Haas

Tasha Steelz w/Savannah Evans Defeats Chelsea Green, Sends Message To Mickie James

This week’s episode opened up with the winner of the Ultimate-X match at Hard to Kill facing the other wrestler who had her hands on the red X as the match came to a conclusion, Chelsea Green.

Steelz picked up a clean victory with a crucifix bomb and then turned her attention to Mickie James in a post-match promo. She crossed a line when she brought James’ family into things and this sent Mickie into the ring. Evans then created a 2-on-1 situation for the heels until Green returned and made the save.

Matt Cardona Is Gunning For The Digital Media Championship

Matt Cardona was interviewed by Gia Miller and said that he’s coming for the Digital Media Championship since he wasn’t able to win the World Title at Hard to Kill. The Digital Media title is currently held by Jordynne Grace, who successfully defended it against Lady Frost in the BTI match this week.

The Influence Injure Rosemary, Win Handicap Match

Before the Influence could take on Decay, Rayne and Dashwood jumped them before the bell, injuring Rosemary and taking her out of the match. That would lead to a handicap match pitting Havok against both members of the Influence.

The Influence picked up the victory when the numbers advantage was just too much and Dashwood finished Havok off with the Spotlight Kick. After the match, The Iinspiration appeared via satellite and sent a message to the Influence.

W. Morrissey Defeats Brian Myers’ Learning Tree

W. Morrissey picked up a dominant victory over VSK and Zicky Dice of Brian Myers’ Learning Tree. After his victory, Morrissey got on the microphone and said he wouldn’t stop his path of destruction until he got his hands on Moose.

Later in the back, Scott D’Amore spoke with Morrissey and said he’ll get his Impact World Championship match against Moose February 19th at No Surrender.

Jonathan Gresham Successfully Defends The ROH Championship Against Steve Maclin

Matt Taven, Vincent, PCO, Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis are all seen in the crowd before the ROH Championship match, evidently having purchased tickets to the show.

This match was contested under Pure Rules. Gresham focussed on his submission game and forced his opponent to use up all 3 of his rope breaks. Gresham then locked Maclin in a figure four leg lock and Maclin’s shoulders were pinned to the mat for 3 during it.

After the match, the ROH invader group was seen exiting the building.

The Good Brothers and VBD Continue Their Alliance

Good Brother Doc Gallows teamed up with Violent By Design member Joe Doering in tag team action this week. They would go up against the team of Heath and Rhino. The finish of the match saw Deaner get involved on the outside and hit Heath with the VBD flag. Doering and Gallows then gave Heath a double chokeslam for the win.

Josh Alexander Defeats Charlie Haas In The Main Event, Invaders Attack

Haas spent much of the match focussing on Alexander’s knee. The two grapplers would also exchange several suplexes during the match as well. Haas was able to counter the C4 Spike at one point but eventually Alexander locked in the Ankle Lock and got the submission.

After the match, Alexander and Haas showed respect to one another. Then the ROH Invaders returned and attacked both competitors. Rich Swann, Willie Mack, Heath, Rhino, Eddie Edwards and Chris Sabin came out to the make the save. Maria Kanellis closed the show by saying that there would be “Honor no more.”

Tommaso Ciampa Shows Off Nasty Elbow Injury

Chris Stephens
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Tommaso Ciampa is showing off a nasty elbow injury.

It’s not clear when or where Ciampa sustained the injury. He’s been wrestling in Smackdown dark matches and on Main Event after losing the NXT Championship to Bron Breakker at New Year’s Evil.

Ciampa posted the following photo on Instagram with the caption, “Considering a new finisher: perhaps an elbow drop”

Tommaso Ciampa Elbow Injury

Tommaso Ciampa in WWE

During a recent interview with Fightful, Ciampa noted that the main roster schedule might be a bit much for him with his history of neck injuries.

“It’s the load. I think people misconstrued it as that I hate RAW or SmackDown. When I talked to her, it was a month or two after I had neck surgery, a neck surgery that could potentially end my career. We were discussing home life. We were discussing road life, and I said, ‘I don’t think I can handle traveling 300 days out of the year.”

Ciampa has wrestled and won four straight matches on the main roster since losing the NXT Championship:

  • Defeated Pete Dunne in a dark match at the Smackdown tapings on January 7th, 2022.
  • Defeated T-Bar in singles action on the January 10th, 2022 taping of Main Event.
  • Defeated Pete Dunne in another Smackdown dark match last week
  • Defeated Akira Tozawa on the Main Event tapings this Monday.

SEScoops wishes Tommaso Ciampa a speedy recovery from this elbow injury.

https://twitter.com/NXTCiampa/status/1478573687846711300

“The Quintessential Diva is Coming!” to Impact Wrestling

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling is promoting the arrival of a new Knockouts competitor. The as of yet unnamed wrestler is being promoted as the “Quintessential Diva.”

While this has not been confirmed, the moniker is often used by Progress Women’s Champion, Gisele Shaw.

Shaw worked several matches for Impact Wrestling in 2018 at shows that were in the Windsor or Mississauga areas. She’s also worked for Scott D’Amore’s Border City Wrestling in Windsor. In 2019, she also worked under the name Azteca for the WOW promotion.

Shaw was trained by Lance Storm in the Storm Wrestling Academy in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Shaw is the second new member of the Knockouts division to be added recently. Masha Slamovich also debuted recently and seems poised to move up the rankings quickly.

Shaw made headlines recently when she challenged Sasha Banks to come to Progress and face her for the title.

“I’d like to add, my people told me that apparently Sasha Banks wants to come to PROGRESS, and if we can make that happen, then you know what, I’m open to a singles match,” Shaw stated in response to a question of who she would like to see in the promotion. “I’m open to a triple threat, doesn’t matter to me. Get that out there”

Update On Sami Zayn Re-Signing With WWE

Chris Stephens
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Earlier this week, news broke that Sami Zayn has re-signed with WWE. Zayn himself appears to have confirmed the news, as he wrote on Twitter:

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has provided additional information about Sami Zayn’s new WWE contract.

While the news of him re-signing leaked this week, Zayn actually re-signed around the time that Kevin Owens re-upped with WWE as well.

Image

“Unlike with Owens, it wasn’t confirmed by company sources past other wrestlers. But the signing coincided with when they had him start working with Lesnar and Reigns on Smackdown.”

– Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Sami Zayn is currently involved in a program with Johnny Knoxville to promote the Jackass star’s appearance in the Royal Rumble. Last week, Zayn appeared as though he was going to do a Jackass style stunt in a shopping cart but backed out of it after deeming it to be unsafe.

Zayn has been with the company since 2013. He is a former NXT Champion and 2x Intercontinental Champion. Outside of WWE, Zayn is a 2x PWG Champion, 1x ROH TV Champion, and once held the ROH Tag Team Championships along with Kevin Owens.

Update On If Drew McIntyre Will Be Back In Time For WrestleMania

Chris Stephens
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Drew McIntyre is dealing with a neck injury that may cause him to miss WrestleMania 38. According to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, he is hopeful that he will be able to return in time for the event.

“Regarding McIntyre, he’s been doing rehab and decompression therapy on his neck. He’s taking the John Cena approach of double sessions six days a week and is pretty insistent he’ll make it back for WrestleMania,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

In storyline, McIntyre was attacked in the back by Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss, which will explain his absence. He had been dealing with a bad neck for several months. It is still not clear if the injury will require surgery or not. The plan is for his neck to be monitored frequently as WrestleMania approaches.

It’s a difficult time for McIntyre to have been removed from the Smackdown roster. Few babyfaces are left to challenge Roman Reigns. Seth Rollins had to be brought in from RAW to take on the Universal Champion at the Royal Rumble.

McIntyre’s last match came at the Day 1 PPV where he defeated Madcap Moss. The angle where he was attacked in the back aired shortly after.

Kurt Angle Thinks Samoa Joe Will Keep Wrestling After WWE Release

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Kurt Angle believes Samoa Joe has some time left before he decides to hang up his boots.

Angle and Joe had a memorable feud in TNA Wrestling. Joe was Angle’s first big rival in TNA. To this day, Angle doesn’t believe it was the right move to have a program with Joe right away because he would’ve rather had Joe go over.

Joe is known by hardcore fans for his ROH and TNA runs but of course, he also spent time in WWE. Joe was a former three-time NXT Champion and competed on the main roster. He even did some color commentator but Joe is no longer with WWE.

Samoa Joe Not Done In The Ring?

  • Kurt Angle Samoa Joe
    (via Impact Wrestling)

Taking to The Kurt Angle Show, the Olympic gold medalist and WWE Hall of Famer predicted that Samoa Joe will continue his in-ring career.

“I believe we haven’t seen the last of him. I think he has more time left, I think he has more in the tank and he’s gonna produce for the fans.”

When asked what would make Joe a good mentor for younger talent, Angle had the following to say.

“Well, he has incredible knowledge and he is one of the most articulate individuals I’ve ever known. Joe can cut a promo like nobody else.

“His in-ring skills are incredible and what he has as far as athleticism, he has a lot to teach the young talent. I think that he would be an incredible teacher. I hope he continues to be one.”

Joe’s WWE release was a part of a slew of NXT departures. WWE has been gutting HHH’s vision of NXT.

Gone are the black and gold colors and the push to sign indie talent. Instead, NXT is now back to being a developmental hub with WWE focusing on younger and larger talent.

Please H/T SEScoops with a link if you use any quotes from this article

ROH Undisputed World Championship Match Announced for SuperCard of Honor

Tyriece Simon
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Ring of Honor has announced its first match for the ROH Supercard of Honor event on April 1.

Since going on hiatus, ROH Supercard of Honor will be the company’s first event back. After releasing all of its wrestlers last year, ROH planned to revamp its business strategy. To promote their ROH Supercard of Honor event, the company also revealed that Jonathan Gresham would challenge Bandido to decide the undisputed ROH World Champion.

https://twitter.com/ringofhonor/status/1484181427944136704

The Undisputed ROH World Championship Situation

ROH has found itself in an intriguing situation with Gresham and Bandido. The company wanted Gresham to challenge Bandido for the ROH World Championship at Final Battle on December 11, 2021. However, Bandido had tested positive for Covid-19, and ROH had Gresham challenge Jay Lethal for the ROH World Championship. After winning the title, ROH allowed Gresham to defend the title for other promotions like Impact Wrestling and Game Changer Wrestling.

Bandido returned to successfully defend his ROH World Championship at Terminus against Baron Black on January 16. At the same event, Gresham also retained his title against Josh Alexander. After the match, Bandido confronted Gresham to tease a unification match.

It’s unclear what ROH plans to do with the ROH World Championship after the ROH Supercard of Honor event. The company plans to book talent for appearances instead of signing exclusive deals. Regardless, Gresham vs. Bandido is an intriguing match that ROH hopes can excite wrestling fans to watch their upcoming event.

Tom Hannifan Recalls Favorite WWE Moments He Was A Part Of

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Tom Hannifan has looked back at some memorable moments when he was signed to WWE.

Hannifan was pretty much a swiss army knife for WWE. He could be relied upon to do backstage interviews, host WWE Network shows, or serve as a play-by-play commentator for any brand.

Hannifan went by the name “Tom Phillips” in WWE and he was with the company from 2012 through 2021. His release didn’t surprise too many people as it was clear WWE wanted to go in a different direction, despite relying on less experienced on-air talent as far as knowing the WWE product goes.

Tom Hannifan’s Favorite WWE Calls

Speaking to Chris Van Vliet, Tom Hannifan revealed some of his favorite calls when he was in the booth for WWE.

“I mentioned KofiMania before, I loved the call that the three of us had on the conclusion of that match. I will always remember Takeover: Dallas 2015 I think with Graves calling Shinsuke’s arrival in NXT and Sami Zayn’s last match in NXT.

“The building just was shaking and Graves and I are freaking out, we had goosebumps and everything. So, that was just one of the most fun moments I had but there were a lot of individual moments where I was really happy with that call.

“When Bobby Lashley won the WWE Title recently I was really happy with that one. For every good one, there’s a hundred bad ones that keep me up at night. That’s just the way I look at it [laughs]. That’s just the way I approach things.

“I have a perfectionist mentality. So, I’m like, ‘Okay if I did this badly …’ even if I just think I did it badly I’ll watch it back and be like, ‘Oh, maybe it wasn’t so bad and maybe just lighten up on yourself a little bit.’ I think that’s just something everyone needs to do in general.

“Just lighten up on yourself.”

Hannifan now works for Impact Wrestling. The company had parted ways with Matt Striker and Hannifan now serves as his replacement. Hannifan made his promotional debut at the Hard to Kill PPV in January.

Please H/T SEScoops with a link if you use any quotes from this article

Killer Kross Says WWE Was ‘Wonderful’ To Him In The Beginning

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Killer Kross didn’t exactly think he’d be a quick washout on the WWE main roster after being treated like gold in NXT.

Kross had been booked as an undefeated monster in NXT. He beat the likes of Keith Lee and Finn Balor on the brand and many felt he was destined for stardom on the main roster given his size.

Things didn’t pan out as WWE stripped away the things that made Kross special on NXT. Kross never walked out on Monday Night Raw with his wife, Scarlett Bordeaux, and his entrance was watered down.

With WWE taking things that made Kross special and giving him 90s-esque gladiator attire, the character took a big hit. Eventually, Kross and his wife were released.

Killer Kross Had Seen Better Days

During an appearance on Busted Open Radio, Killer Kross admitted that he felt WWE understood his worth far better when he was on NXT.

“It’s important to understand that the business of the night is not always exactly about you.

“That’s just the way it is and I thought that I was given basically a piece of business that night [main roster debut] that may have not exactly been about me without getting any more details than the fact that I was going under, and I was okay with that.

“People forget too, they gave me a death run where I killed everybody clean in NXT for over a year. I hadn’t even lost yet. So, to put somebody over for me personally, it’s not a big deal.

“Even on my debut, I was like, ‘You know what? This company’s been wonderful to me. Whatever they want I’ll do it, it’s no problem.’ That’s the place I was coming from.”

In hindsight, it’s easy to see why Kross was given his walking papers. WWE has gutted HHH’s version of NXT in favor of going back to the developmental route.

We’ve seen the likes of William Regal and Samoa Joe get released by WWE. Regal’s release, in particular, was eye-opening given how crucial he was to the NXT brand.

Please H/T SEScoops with a link if you use any quotes from this article

Matt Cardona Open to WWE Return, Under One Condition

Tyriece Simon
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Former WWE superstar Matt Cardona has shared that he’s open to returning to the company. However, he still wants to be able to do his podcast.

Cardona appeared on Busted Open with Bully Ray and Dave LaGreca to promote The WRLD on the GCW event on January 23. Ray asked Cardona if WWE called him to appear the following night on Monday Night Raw, would he listen. Cardona responded that he’d be open to talking about a return, but WWE can’t prevent his podcast business.

“…I’d definitely would listen, but I tell you right now if one of things were you can’t do your podcast, I’ll say thanks but no thanks,” said Cardona. He continued, “That would be a deal-breaker, no way. If there were going to just take away everything that I’ve built with Brian Myers, like something we tried to do in WWE. The Major Wrestling Figures Podcast, they didn’t want it. We pitched it to them. They didn’t want podcasts. They didn’t want anything to do with collectibles. I think they’ve since had a failing podcast network, and they tried something with collectibles, but I’ve had so much fun with this, and this is setting me up for life after wrestling where I would never sacrifice that.”

Matt Cardona on Leaving WWE

After more than ten years with the company, the WWE released Cardona on April 15, 2020. However, leaving WWE helped him reinvent himself, and Cardona may be having more success since he became an independent wrestler. In the interview with Busted Open, he shared that he appreciates his time with the company.

“…I’ve said this, and I don’t mean this as an insult. WWE was my developmental. That’s not a shot a WWE, that is that everything that I learned there the good and the bad I’m using it to make me succeed,” said Cardona. He also shares he has no animosity towards the company.

Cardona is enjoying his professional wrestling career working outside of the WWE. This Sunday, he has a match with Joey Janela at The WRLD on GCW. Regarding the WWE, the company will have the Royal Rumble on January 29. Based on Cardona’s comments, he could be open to the idea if the WWE asked Cardona to appear.

Update on Mustafa Ali Requesting His WWE Release

Michael Reichlin
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Mustafa Ali has requested his release from WWE. In a message posted to social media on January 16th, he wrote:

“I have a message that is much bigger than my dreams in pro wrestling. Despite my best efforts, I will not be able to deliver this message while working with WWE.

Therefore, I am requesting my release from WWE.”

Mustafa Ali can request his release, but that doesn’t mean WWE will give it to him. To update this situation, WWE does not plan to grant Mustafa Ali’s request for release, according to Fightful. Ali said to have years left on his current deal.

Following the reports that WWE is refusing to grant Mustafa Ali’s release request, he tweeted:

Mustafa Ali’s WWE Run

Mustafa Ali debuted for WWE 2016 in the Cruiserweight Classic tournament. He was a mainstay on 205 Live and led the Retribution faction on the main roster. Recently, he tagged with Mansoor.

Ali is one of the most talented performers on the entire roster and is well-liked behind the scenes. Despite his potential, he never won a championship during the 5 years with WWE. Journalist Phil Strum sums it up well:

Jim Ross Explains Why He Uses A Wheelchair In Airports

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Jim Ross has been making use of wheelchairs whenever he has to move around airports.

JR is the voice of AEW. He serves as the play-by-play ace for Dynamite every Wednesday night. There was a brief period where Ross had to step away from the booth due to radiation treatments but now he’s cancer-free and back to work.

Jim Ross On Using Wheelchairs

Jim Ross had skin cancer on his ankle and the radiation treatments were quite painful for the legend. During an episode of his Grilling JR podcast, Ross said traveling hasn’t been fun as his ankle continues to heal.

“I’ve had to tolerate a lot of pain and flying is the sh*ts. We all gotta be careful. When I go to get on the plane I make sure I got plenty of salve on my burn and that I have it wrapped and protected, but boy it’s a pain in the ass to fly.”

The pain is bad enough to where JR has used wheelchairs at the airport to take a load off.

“You know what I’ve been doing, Conrad? People are gonna probably laugh at me and some of them seen me go through the airports. I’ve been ordering a wheelchair.

“Well, walking is a killer, kills it. So, I’ve been getting a wheelchair at the airport on both ends. They pick me up, my driver picks me up here at home, takes me to the airport where I meet my wheelchair guy.”

Ross says that his ankle has been doing much better over the past week. JR also joked that his “wheelchair guy” is quite fond of him thanks to his generous tipping.

Please H/T SEScoops with a link if you use any quotes from this article

Sami Zayn Signs New Multi-Year Deal With WWE

Tyriece Simon
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Sami Zayn has signed a new multi-year deal with WWE, per Fightful and Pat Laprade of TVA Sports.

The news comes just weeks after Zayn’s longtime friend and rival Kevin Owens signed a new 3-year deal.

Zayn has been with WWE since 2013. He’s a former NXT Champion and a 2-time Intercontinental Champion.

WWE was not the only company looking to retains Zayn’s services. Per Fightful, Zayn also had interest from people in AEW and Ring of Honor, before ROH went on hiatus.

Owens also had interest from AEW, but decided to stick with WWE when all was said and done.

Sami Zayn will participate in the Men’s Royal Rumble match on January 29th.

He’s been involved in a program with Jackass star Johnny Knoxville, who will also be part of the Royal Rumble match. It remains to be seen if these two will ever work a singles match, or if their mini-feud will be limited to the Rumble.

AEW Injury Updates on Rey Fenix & Eddie Kingston

Chris Stephens
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Rey Fenix and Eddie Kingston are currently on the shelf due to injuries. According to a recent update from the Wrestling Observer, AEW is hoping to have them both back by mid-February.

In the case of Eddie Kingston, he suffered a broken orbital bone recently. It’s not clear how or when Kingston suffered the injury, however. Tony Khan revealed the news at the most recent AEW Dark tapings in Orlando. Kingston is expected back in roughly 3 weeks.

As for Rey Fenix, he suffered a nasty-looking arm injury in the Lucha Bros title loss to Jurassic Express on January 5th. After being chokeslammed through a table by Luchasaurus, Fenix’s arm bent the wrong way. Tests would reveal it was just badly dislocated, however, and he did not suffer a break. AEW is expecting him back in mid-February as well.

https://twitter.com/MadKing1981/status/1483970676646162435

Kingston is involved in a budding rivalry with Chris Jericho that also involves Santana and Ortiz. Last night on Dynamite, Santana & Ortiz seemed to agree with sentiment Kingston had expressed about Jericho being the reason they aren’t the AEW tag team champions.

Fenix is involved in an angle with Death Triangle and the House of Black at the moment. PAC sent a video message to Malakai Black and Brody King this week that implied the injuries he suffered from Black’s mist have healed and he will be coming back soon.

WWE 2K22 Trailer Released

Chris Stephens
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WWE 2K22 has announced an official release date for the game. The game’s official YouTube channel released a video today that confirms the rumored March 11th, 2022 release date. Also confirmed in the video today is Rey Mysterio is the cover superstar.

“Representing the culture of lucha libre as the cover Superstar for WWE 2K22 is a moment of great pride for me,” said Rey Mysterio. “I’m looking forward to sharing the stories behind the big moments of my career with a dedicated community of players and connecting with WWE fans in a whole new way as they play through my 2K Showcase.”

“Throughout his career, Rey Mysterio has staged multiple comebacks to prove his resiliency time and time again, and through it all, has cemented his legacy as a living legend of sports entertainment,” said Alfie Brody, Vice President of Global Marketing Strategy at 2K. “In that same spirit of resiliency, WWE 2K22 strikes back with a slew of upgrades and community-requested features to give players complete control over the WWE experience.”

3 versions of the Undertaker has also been revealed as the pre-order bonus for the game. Additionally, a new “MyGM” mode will be available. The game is boasting a new engine, improved graphics, and a MyFaction mode as well.

There will also be a special “NWO” version of the game that can be purchased. This edition will feature Hollywood Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Syxx-Pac, and Eric Bischoff as playable characters.

Update: The full WWE 2K22 Roster has been announced.

This will be the first game released in the series since the widely-panned WWE 2K20. Developers took a year off in response to the backlash over the game. The series has traditionally released new editions in the fall but this year the release date got pushed back to March.

The official announce trailer is available below:

Aliyah Wants To Be The First Female Arab WWE Superstar To Perform In Saudi Arabia

Chris Stephens
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Aliyah is hoping to become the first-ever Arab female WWE Superstar to perform in the Middle East.

WWE heads back to Saudi Arabia for Elimination Chamber next month and Aliyah is hoping to be on that show. She recently discussed this during an interview with Denise Salcedo.

“We’re heading to Saudi for Elimination Chamber. No matches have really been announced. It would be an honor to be the first-ever Arab female superstar to perform in the Middle East and that’s always been a huge goal of mine,” she said.

Real name Nhooph Al-Areebi, Aliyah has Syrian and Iraqi descent. She grew up in Toronto and was trained by Rob Fuego and Taylor Wilde before signing with WWE.

While it’s not known if Aliyah will be on the Elimination Chamber show in Saudi Arabia next month, she is booked to compete in the Royal Rumble later this month in St. Louis. Aliyah also spoke about performing in that match along with the likes of Lita, Mickie James, and the Bella Twins.

“It feels incredible because growing up I used to watch Lita, I used to watch Mickie James, I used to watch The Bellas. It’s so cool, on one hand, I get to see all the legends and on the other hand, I will look to my right and I will see Liv Morgan who is like my best friend forever so I am just so excited.”

Watch the full interview with Aliyah in the player below:

Carmella Reveals She Tested Positive For COVID-19 Recently

Chris Stephens
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One-half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Carmella, has revealed that she tested positive for COVID-19 recently. Speaking on the “Bare With Us” podcast along with her partner, Corey Graves, Carmella revealed that she dealt with symptoms of the virus for 3 or 4 days.

“I got COVID. I got-got about what? A week-and-a-half ago? No, two weeks ago now,” Carmella said. “Yeah, I woke up super just not feeling well, just really tired, run down and took some tests and I tested positive and then I mean, it was like a cold. It was kind of like a little bit worse than a cold. I was down and out for like three or four days just not really doing much. But, on the up and up, feeling better now.”

They also revealed that Graves never did test positive for the virus despite being in close contact with Carmella.

“I had to take multiple tests just to be able to go back to work,” Graves said. “And you and I are both vaccinated and it was just it finally hit us and it was what it was, but I’ve avoided it this entire time.”

Carmella’s last match was on the January 3rd, 2022 episode of WWE RAW. Her and Queen Zelina successfully defended the Women’s Tag Team Championships against Rhea Ripley and Nikki ASH on that show.

H/T to Post Wrestling For The Above Transcriptions.

WWE Abandons ‘Gunther Stark’ Trademark After Nazi Controversy

Michael Reichlin
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WWE has reportedly abandoned its trademark for the name Gunther Stark.

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, WWE initially filed the trademark application on January 13th. The mark was to be used for:

“Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service.”

Unfortunately, Günther Stark was the name of a German U-boat Commander during World War II. This ignited a firestorm of controversy, with WWE getting global headlines for the gaffe.

At the conclusion of Tuesday’s NXT 2.0 broadcast, NXT star WALTER announced his new name as Gunther. WWE stopped short of using the Stark name and is now cutting bait entirely.

Gunther
WALTER is now Gunther

WWE has reportedly abandoned the trademark application for Gunther Stark. The USPTO database now lists the application as “DEAD/APPLICATION/Withdrawn/Abandoned.”

abandoned trademark

Konnan Recovering Following Heart Surgery

Chris Stephens
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Konnan is back home after having heart surgery recently. He has been dealing with the impacts of a bad bout of COVID-19 last year that has affected his heart and kidneys.

According to comments by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Konnan began having chest pains but first attributed them to having previously fractured his ribs during an AEW appearance last June. After getting checked out, however, doctors discovered a heart issue.

“When he had COVID, which was about a year ago, it really messed up his heart and his kidneys. His kidneys are actually in very bad shape right now,” Meltzer said.

While the surgery corrected the heart issue, he is said to still be dealing with significant kidney problems. Konnan originally had a kidney transplant in 2007. The 58-year-old now requires another kidney transplant.

“The kidney issue is still ongoing. He’s going to need a kidney transplant again. He thinks he has a donor,” Meltzer continued.

“He’s had kidney problems dating back to his original kidney surgery which is a long time back and his body rejected it so he had to take anti-rejection drugs so that messed him up a lot for a long time.”

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